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“Yep,” I say flatly.
“The flower that’ll finally let you get over yourself so you can…”
“Don’t be an ass. You know I overthink everything.”
“Sorry. I am honestly impressed that you’re considering it,” she says and gives me a little clap.
“You’d tell me if I’m making a giant mistake, right?”
“Of course.”
“Can you remind me that it’s harmless fun, and I won’t get in trouble?” I ask.
“You’re overthinking this. It’s a little harmless fun, and you won’t get in trouble.”
“And if my life ends up in shambles?” I ask.
“I’ll take all the blame,” she says with an excited little shoulder shake.
31
Elowen
I’m swallowing the last of my protein bar when Aro strides into my room. He’s wearing that black button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, tucked into perfectly tailored black slacks. It’s the same thing he wore on our date, and it still takes my breath away. The contrast of his rich blue skin and the black clothes—it does something for me.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks.
“Yep, I’m sure,” I say, trying to sound confident. A small part of me still wants to bolt from the room and hide.
“Okay, here’s the plan. We’re gonna go to the Northeast Rec room. That corner of the muradome is usually empty this time of night. Once we get there, I’ll make the tea and it will take effect pretty quickly. That will get you high for about four hours or so. We’ll hang out there until you’re back to reality and I’ll walk you back to your bunk. I’ll run interference if anyone comes around. No one will suspect a thing.” He walks me through the plan with military precision.
“Sounds good to me.” I carefully pick up the flower and hand it to Aro. He tucks it away and grabs my hand.
* * *
He is right about this side being empty. Light sensors flicker on, evidence that no one has been here in a while.
“Here we are.” Placing his hand on my lower back he ushers me into the quiet rec room.
From the couch I watch Aro tap a few pollen granules into a mug filled with steaming hot water. “Remind me what’s going to happen once I drink that.” I stop biting my lip when he turns to face me, not wanting him to see that I’m nervous.
“It’s different for everyone. Some people feel really peaceful and relaxed, others have hallucinations. When I did it all my thoughts and emotions were amplified. Time would stop and stand still then rush forward. I still don’t fully understand some of what I saw,” Aro explains while making the tea.
“Apparently, thousands of years ago our ancestors would drink this tea as a rite of passage. This is one part of an ancient ceremony that would mark a Tilak’s ascension to full adulthood. The tea would help them tap into their subconscious and provide clarity or reveal their life’s purpose. Occasionally, the experience will take a dark turn, but I won’t let that happen to you. Only good vibes tonight.”
I take a deep breath, and nod. “I’m ready.”
Aro passed me the steaming mug and I cup it in both hands. I use it to ground myself through my nerves. I take a small sip and try to relax as it goes down my throat. Its vaguely sweet, a hint of flowers and citrus. I take a few more sips. “How much should I drink?” I ask.
“That’s probably good for now. You’ll know in a few minutes.”
I sink deeper into the couch and fold my legs up to my chest. My face feels numb and fuzzy right away. I’m vaguely aware of a smile plastered on my face. My hearing is muted, like I was plunged underwater. Aro’s back is to me while operating the coffee machine across the room. I unabashedly stare at his muscular back and thick legs. I imagine what it would feel like to run my hands up his arms and over his shoulders.
Aro faces back to me with a knowing smile. “How’s it going over there?” He caught me staring again. Those black slacks are going to kill me.
“Good!” My voice comes out an octave higher than I intended. “I mean, I feel good, just a little numb.” I go to extra lengths to lower the pitch of my voice and sound relaxed.
Aro sits down next to me on the couch. “Good. Ride the wave wherever it takes you.”
